CO129-486 - Public Offices - 1924 — Page 192

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expert finds a percentage that differs widely from the per-

Moreover, the content lessens by centage stated by another.

transport or by preserving, so the importer abroad never realises the percentage stated at the export.

VI. The following objections to the Netherlands scheme were taken in the Committee:-

1.

It aims only at securing a ten per cant reduction in the production of the gooa leaf and mekes no attempt to limit

the cutput of cocaine to the amount required for mdical and which is the object of the Conference. scientific purpoace

#F

The present output of cocaine is certainly much more than ten

in excess of the world's legitimate requirements and

per cent

it was thought that the reduction proposed would fall very short pf what public opinion expects.

2.

Though the production of the coca leaf is to be restricted in amount and confined to the countries at present producing it,

no provision is made in the scheme for ensuring that each of the countries in which the leaf is used for the manufacture of cocaine (or other preparations) will receive its fair share of the raw material. For instance, the Java loaf is essential for the manufacture of cocaine by the process in use in several coun- tries by which eogonine is first isolated and then the occaim

is built up by the additzon of the other constituents. Indow this scheme, however, the whole output of the Java leaf would be in the hands of the Dutch. It is certain that none of the other countries would agree to such a scheme. Powers in possession of the monopoly would be in a position to regulate prices; the production of raw materials would be fully controlled by the

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